Home is where the heart is. It is also the place where we keep our most prized possession, our family. Researching the people & companies you invite into your home or business can be a daunting task. When looking for workers, sifting through all those search results can be a source of anxiety and frustration. Learning how to research properly and knowing what to look for can save you time and stress.
A company must be licensed with the state. The state has a directory of companies with a searchable data base that you can use to find out information about a company. Write down the names of the company officers and research them. You can go to the Clerk of the circuit court and find out if they have a criminal background or if the company is involved in any kind of lawsuits.
Check to make sure your contractor is legal and has all the insurance required for the profession. You can verify the legitimacy of a company by accessing other government websites and checking the public records of the contractor. I have included links at the bottom of this post for our city, state, and county.
Many businesses do not pay their county and city business taxes. Some companies also get workman’s compensation insurance on only one employee instead of all just to show some proof that they have it. When doing this they have the proof of the insurance, but they 1099 their other employees which leaves the client with liability issues should anything happen. When they 1099 their employees they don’t pay into the payroll tax system. Instead they leave the employee to pay the company share of the taxes.
These practices do allow the contractor to be able to do the work at a reduced rate but it hurts legitimate contractors doing things the right way. If a worker is hurt in your home, workman’s compensation provides 100% of medical. Always check the state website for contractor exemptions. Some contractors exempt themselves rather than pay into the system that protects the customer. Protect yourself and your family and know who is working in your home or business.
Research Company Information Links. Florida / Hillsborough County / Tampa /
Verify Proof Of Workmans Comp Insurance In Florida
Verify Tampa Business Taxes and License
Verify Hillsborough County Business Taxes and License
Search Hillsborough County Court Records
Search Hillsborough County Official Records
Verify Hillsborough County Painting Contractor License
Verify Florida State Contractor license
Verify Florida State Corporation
